Welcome to Fully Fit 2026, GOLF’s new platform for providing you with real-golfer insights into what 2026 gear might be best suited for your game. To this end, we assembled six GOLF content creators of varying abilities and ran them through the gauntlet of six full-bag fittings (driver to putter!) at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, Calif. Our hope: that you might see shades of your own game in one of our panelists’ and take some learnings and inspiration from their fitting experiences. In this installment (below), check out the hybrids and utility irons that each of our Fully Fit 2026 panelists chose for their golf bags. You may browse each of our panelists’ full 2026 dream bags here:
The spot between a player’s fairway woods and irons can be tricky, and for many of our Fully Fit panelists, hybrids and utilities were where they had to make the toughest decisions.
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This category is crucial for players to gap out the rest of their bag. Have a utility club that goes too far and you’ll struggle to gap your iron set after it. Have one that goes too short, and you’re going to be left with lots of awkward fairway wood yardages.
Not everyone will need a club in this space, but all six of our panelists did.
Everyone was looking for something different. Johnny and Sean wanted 4-iron replacements that went higher and farther. Johnny stuck with his longtime gamer hybrid, while Sean found a new utility iron. Wadeh and I were looking for secondary wood options that we can land softer than our mini drivers.
There was something for everyone.
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After fittings with six manufacturers, here are the hybrids and utility irons our six panelists chose for their bags in 2026.
The G440 hybrids appeal to a variety of skill levels, each engineered to deliver different ball- flight characteristics – from the slightly fade-biased 2 hybrid for off-the-tee performance to the draw-inducing 5, 6 and 7 hybrids that help optimize gapping. They all share a new, shallower and thinner face design, which improves face contact for more ball speed and higher-launching shots that hit and hold the green.
FLIES HIGH LANDS SOFT
Optimized launch and spin ensure distance with stopping power.
FREE-HOSEL DESIGN
Saves weight to lower CG, optimize launch/spin and increase forgiveness.
ROUNDED SOLE
Ensures pleasing face angle in all hosel settings
CARBONFLY WRAP
Lightweight carbon crown saves weight to increase MOI, lower CG.
Why it’s in my bag: I struggled to find a replacement for my 3-wood for a long time until I got fitted for this hybrid last year at the Proving Grounds. Surprisingly, during Fully Fit 2026, I walked away with three other really good options for this spot in the bag, including a 21-degree Callaway UW, an 18-degree Cobra OPTM hybrid and a 19-degree TaylorMade Qi4D hybrid. But honestly, the G440 has such an advantage with a year of playing with it already in my back pocket.
I’m stoked to have four great options here, so while I’m happy with the Ping right now, I wouldn’t be shocked if I make a change when I start playing more regularly again in the spring. I do have some lead tape on the toe just to guard against that left miss, but for the most part, it keeps me on the right side of the golf course. This thing also explodes off the face.
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1 key data point: 254 to 224 yards carry distance. That big of a carry dispersion is usually not considered a good thing, but the fact that I’m able to dial up a 250-plus carry out of a club that fills my 240 gap is super advantageous when I’m far away from the green. While I’m rarely hitting the mini off the deck, knowing I can still get pretty close to the target if I’m just inside a comfortable yardage and even chase it up with the hybrid is awesome. That shot is pretty low spin, but when I’m trying to close the gap between my Mini driver and 4-iron, versatility is key.
*Utility Iron swapped for hybrid on a course/conditions-dependent basis
Jack Hirsh/GOLF
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Head: Titleist U505 3-iron Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Hybrid Gen. 4 80 g 6.5 Loft: 20˚ Lie: 58.5˚ Length: 39.25″ EOG Swingweight: D4
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Titleist 2025 U•505 Custom Driving Iron
U505 plays like an iron but performs like something more. From threading the needle off the tee to getting home from unfathomable distances, U505 gives players the speed and control to hit clutch shots with confidence.
Pure Muscle Look
A hollow high-strength steel body concentrates immense power in a pure package.
Long-Range Speed
A new forged L-Face design heightens ball speed and launch to take on distant targets with confidence.
Consistent Performance
Improved Max Impact Technology helps generate consistent launch, speed, spin, and carry to expand your shotmaking ability.
Controlled Trajectory
Split high-density tungsten produces optimal CG with high stability for more forgiving shotmaking.
Iron Set Blending
The U505 and T250U feature a player-preferred profile with minimal offset, allowing you to blend into the top end of a mixed setup seamlessly.
Why it’s in my bag: If I’m going to play a utility iron, then I want it to actually be a utility club and not a one-trick pony. Yes, hitting it high is almost never an issue for me, but the shots I can hit with the U505 are just silly. I can hit as high as all of my other irons, and I can hit down below 70 feet when I need to hit a frozen rope into the wind. I really just didn’t hit anything that has come close to it. I got fit for this club when the 2025 T-Series was launched and it took about three swings.
1 key data point: 157 mph ball speed. This was the fastest ball speed number I’ve recorded with this 3-iron. I was trying to get this number, but I’m more typically in the lower 150s. Just to be able to have that kind of speed with an iron tells me I can hit it off the tee and not have to worry about leaving myself way far back.
Head: Ping iDi #3 Shaft: Ping Tour 2.0 Black 90 X-Stiff Loft: 20º Lie: Black Color Code – 59º Length: 39.25″ Swingweight: C9+
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PING iDi Custom Driving Iron
The iDi marks a big step forward in driving iron and long-iron performance, giving better golfers the flexibility of three loft choices to fit their distance number and trajectory window.
Loft offerings are optimized for launch and spin in 2, 3 & 4 irons with a thinner, forged maraging steel face that flexes to increase ball speed and distance. The 2 is a traditional driving iron, delivering low launch and spin. The 3 (mid launch, mid spin) is designed as a driving iron or long-iron replacement. The 4 launches higher with more spin, making it easier to hold greens and is also recommended as a long iron replacement.
The 17-4 stainless steel head is both deeper front to back and shallower, which allows for 15% higher MOI on high/low impacts, and makes room for the new inR-Air technology. inR-Air is a pocket of air in the clubhead that damps sound and improves feel. The covered cavity and i-Beam structure help reduce vibration. In addition, iDi is shorter heel-to-toe to make it easier to tun over. For control in shot making, each iDi is approximately 1/4″ shorter and 1° flatter.
Why it’s in my bag: I haven’t had a driving iron in the bag for a while. I’ve toyed with the Mizuno FliHi (the new one is really good, fyi) and the older Ping iCrossover (of which I was internally at Ping called the biggest fan of), but they just didn’t really stick after I found love in the Qi35 5-wood and a Ping G440 hybrid. When we tested the iDi, though, it just felt super easy. I could choke up and hit low cutty fairway finders or play it at length and hit super high draws. It also feels much better off the face than you might expect. I have to give credit to Adam Harding on the Ping PGA Tour truck for this. He’s the one who told me that I absolutely needed to hit it, and that’s really the only reason that I did when we went for our fittings. Turns out, he was correct.
1 key data point: Not really a data point, but how easy it is to change flights is what ended up selling me. The one downside to hybrids is that they are sort of one-trick ponies. Into the wind, or shots where you have to make a certain flight happen, aren’t really their strong suit. The iDi checks that box.
Head: Ping G430 4H Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI HY 9X Loft: 22 Setting: Flat Length: 39.5 EOG Tipping: 0 Swingweight: D3
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PING G440 Custom Hybrid
The G440 hybrids appeal to a variety of skill levels, each engineered to deliver different ball- flight characteristics – from the slightly fade-biased 2 hybrid for off-the-tee performance to the draw-inducing 5, 6 and 7 hybrids that help optimize gapping. They all share a new, shallower and thinner face design, which improves face contact for more ball speed and higher-launching shots that hit and hold the green.
FLIES HIGH LANDS SOFT
Optimized launch and spin ensure distance with stopping power.
FREE-HOSEL DESIGN
Saves weight to lower CG, optimize launch/spin and increase forgiveness.
ROUNDED SOLE
Ensures pleasing face angle in all hosel settings
CARBONFLY WRAP
Lightweight carbon crown saves weight to increase MOI, lower CG.
Why it’s in my bag: Security blanket. I’ve had this in the bag for two seasons now, and it’s become my favorite club. It can get up, go down, hold ball speed up and down the face, and it spins. It’s the most efficient 4H I’ve ever tested, and I really tried to kick it out. Contenders were Cobra OPTM (really close) and a TaylorMade Qi4D (also really close). Where they fell short was on their ceiling, with the 430, I can chip it and hit it 205, or munch it and hit it 225. The other had the floor, but the ceiling was 218. I’ll take the extra few yards.
Why it’s in my bag: I’ve never had the kind of reliability with other hybrids that the Quantum Max gives me. Standing over shots, I feel confident because I don’t have to worry about my ball speed dropping on off-center hits. It also launches the ball high with a penetrating trajectory, making it easier to carry hazards on the course. Between the forgiveness, consistent speed and high launch, I can see this quickly becoming a club I rely on round after round.
1 key data point: I’ve always struggled with consistency when hitting hybrids, especially on off-center strikes. But the Quantum Max was a different story. Even on shots that were slightly off the toe or low on the face, the ball still carried with consistent, predictable speed. This makes it easy to trust the club from both the fairway and off the tee. That kind of reliability will be a game-changer for me —especially in competition rounds.
Head: TaylorMade P-UDI 4-iron Shaft: KBS Tour Lite S Loft: 22° Lie: Standard Length: 38.75″
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TaylorMade P-UDI Custom Utility Iron
Tour inspired shaping for a playable and balanced look at address. Strategically positioned CG for a penetrating ball flight with backspin for players who demand shot making with long irons.
INDIVIDUAL MASS OPTIMIZATION
Featuring advanced thick-thin back wall construction, sound stabilization bar, and deliberately distributed mass to maximize forgiveness. Each iron is uniquely designed with every gram strategically placed to achieve specific performance goals with premium forged feel.
OPTIMAL LAUNCH AND FORGIVENESS
Designed to deliver easy launch, increased forgiveness and enhanced consistency. The new internal weighting structure combines with proven technologies such as the forged 4140 OptiFace, Speed Pocket™ and up to 26g of tungsten.
THRU-SLOT SPEEDPOCKET
The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ provides increased face flexibility while preserving ball speed and distance on low face strikes.
Why it’s in my bag: I play a lot of golf in Scotland. Have been making the annual (and privileged) Open Championship pilgrimage for the last four years, and I find myself hitting a lot of 4-irons on that trip. It’s such a great exercise — to play firm courses for weeks at a time. It forces you to understand your carry distance, but also to understand how far your shots can run if you just get them started on the right line. So I really enjoy having a club I can hit extra shots with, low and hooking at times, higher and fading at others. This club has a good bit of meat on the bone, if you will. Some real mass that sits behind the clubface and helps me launch it. But I can also get plenty of distance out of that mass simply by pulling it back in my stance a bit and stinging one low and striking. Versatility is what we love.
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1 key data point: This may not feel like a data point, but there is something particularly pleasing about just filling in the gap, loft-wise, in my bag. If we were to remove that Adams driving iron, which I really should have done years ago, then there was about a 13-degree gap in my set when it came to modern clubs. The 22-degree 4-iron (and the 16.5-degree 5-wood) work hand-in-hand to make my gapping more sensical. We like that!
The Apex UW is designed for serious, avid golfers seeking the perfect blend of a fairway wood’s power and a hybrid’s versatility. Engineered with Tour feedback and loaded with performance technologies, it delivers a higher, more neutral ball flight with the control all players demand.
TUNGSTEN SPEED WAVE
A dynamic, 41g+ tungsten wave structure positions mass low and forward, enhancing ball speed and launch—particularly on low-face strikes where players tend to lose distance.
STEP SOLE DESIGN
A redesigned sole with a stepped geometry reduces turf interaction, helping to maintain swing speed through impact and promoting more consistent contact across different lies.
TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN
The lightweight carbon construction allows for strategic weight redistribution, creating a more forgiving clubhead while refining launch and spin for greater shot-making control.
TOUR-INSPIRED SHAPING
Designed with input from the world’s best, the compact, refined shape and neutral face angle inspire confidence at address and deliver workability from tee to turf.
Why it’s in my bag: This has been in my bag for three years now, and it is my most trusted club in there. I use it for 240-yard distances, mostly hitting into greens on par 5s. The new 2025 UW is great. I just have so much confidence in this club; I didn’t feel the need to make a switch.
1 key data point: The north and south dispersion is so tight that a fitter from a different OEM, who will not be named, said, “If anyone tries to tell you they can beat this club, they are lying to you.”
Why it’s in my bag: Living in Arizona, you play a lot of desert golf, which usually means tight and hard fairways. I have this in my bag for when I am playing tight courses where I need 240+ off the tee and I know it is going to go straight. I do not use this a lot as it’s very much the “15th” club and used on a course-by-course basis.
1 key data point: Ball speed was the highest out of any of the driving irons I hit. I also love the mirror on the back, which removes the bulk through an optical illusion.
*Utility iron goes in for UW based on course/conditions
Bayern Munich came from behind to beat VfB Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena and secure the Bundesliga title for a record 35th time.
The Bavarians, who have been dominant this season with only one defeat, needed just a draw to be confirmed champions after Borussia Dortmund lost to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
However, Stuttgart made a bright start and nearly delayed the celebrations. Chris Führich opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a fine curling effort that left the home fans stunned.
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Bayern reacted quickly. Raphaël Guerreiro equalised 10 minutes later, before Nicolas Jackson, filling in for Harry Kane, put the hosts ahead just two minutes after the equaliser.
Alphonso Davies added a third goal before half-time, reacting smartly inside the box to guide the ball past Alexander Nübel after a pass from Luis Díaz.
Kane, who replaced Jamal Musiala at the break, made an instant impact. The England striker scored Bayern’s fourth goal just seven minutes into the second half, taking his league tally to 32 for the season.
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Stuttgart managed a late reply through Chema Andrés in the 88th minute, but it was not enough to stop Bayern’s celebrations.
The victory means Bayern have now won 13 titles in the last 14 seasons, underlining their dominance in German football. They remain on course for a possible treble, with important semi-final clashes against Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal and Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League still to come later this month.
A total of two matches took place on Sunday, but the IPL 2026 points table saw only two teams swapping their positions. In the day game, Kolkata Knight Riders registered a comeback win by four wickets against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens. With the win, the three-time champions rose to the ninth spot, with Mumbai Indians slipping to the bottom position in the points table. In the night game, Punjab Kings outplayed Lucknow Super Giants by a massive margin of 54 runs to retain their top position. Despite the loss, LSG remained in the eighth spot.
Explosive knocks from opener Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly helped table-toppers Punjab Kings hammer Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs to stay unbeaten this season. Arya struck 93 off 37 balls, while fellow left-hander Connolly hit 87 to power Punjab to this season’s highest total of 254/7 after being invited to bat first in Chandigarh.
In reply, Lucknow managed just 200/5 as Punjab consolidated their top spot in the 10-team table with five wins and one no-result in six matches. An early reprieve for Connolly proved costly for Lucknow after skipper Rishabh Pant decided not to review an lbw call in the second over from Mohsin Khan, with replays suggesting the ball would have hit the stumps. Australia’s Connolly was on four at the time and went on to add 182 runs for the second wicket with Arya as the duo bludgeoned the opposition attack with 16 sixes between them.
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“It was exceptional, some of the shots were jaw-dropping,” said Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer. “I was just talking to Cooper and Priyansh; we were challenging each other on who will hit the most sixes this season. They are up for it.”
Arya reached his second fifty of the season in just 19 balls, and soon the Lucknow attack had no answers for the batting blitz. Connolly went after Aiden Markram with three straight sixes, and Arya finished the over with two more in a 32-run 13th over as Punjab threatened to breach 300. However, pace bowler Prince Yadav dismissed Connolly, and Arya fell three balls later in the next over to miss out on a century.
Mohsin Khan then dismissed Iyer for five, but Australia’s Marcus Stoinis steered the team to a mammoth total with a 16-ball 29. Mitchell Marsh, who hit 40, and Ayush Badoni (35) handed Lucknow a brisk start, while Pant struck 43. However, regular wickets and the ever-increasing run rate kept the side behind the chase. Markram hit a valiant 42 off 22 balls, but despite a few dropped catches by Punjab fielders, Lucknow suffered their third straight loss.
“Definitely, we believe in this team for sure,” said Pant. “But at the same time, when the opposition is playing well, like Punjab is playing now, you’ve got to give credit to them for playing good, hard cricket.”
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In the first match of the day, Rinku Singh hit an unbeaten 53 to lead Kolkata Knight Riders to their first win of the IPL season as they beat Rajasthan Royals by four wickets. Rajasthan posted 155/9 as their batting faltered after 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi top-scored with 46 at Eden Gardens. Three-time champions Kolkata slipped to 85/6 before the left-handed Rinku steered the team home with two balls to spare.
(With AFP inputs)
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Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
Mazu, the standout eight-year-old, preserves his blistering speed and love for racing, leading all the way to bag his hat-trick in the Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on Saturday.
Joe Pride’s veteran had prior Hall Mark successes on heavy tracks suited to his style, but he adapted superbly to the firm conditions, recording a swift 1m 8.19s for the win.
The result showcased Pride’s training prowess from various angles, most notably with the stable locking the trifecta as King’s Secret and Private Eye filled the next two berths, separated by less than half a length among the three.
The trainer’s fourth participant, Kerguelen, was a length-and-a-half behind in fifth.
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“To train the trifecta in any race, particularly a Group 3, is very satisfying,” Pride said. “All four of my horses ran great races.
“But Mazu, what a fantastic old warrior he is. We’ve won three of these in-a-row and done it on a dry track today.
“I think this track’s got a little bit of give in it because In Flight won here last week and she has a similar record where her best form is on wet tracks.”
Rachel King guided the $3.70 chance Mazu to a brave head verdict over $7.50 shot King’s Secret, as $3.30 market leader Private Eye surged late for third, a short neck back.
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“I think he knows this is his race; he loves it,” King said of Mazu.
“I was concerned with the firmer deck today, I just didn’t know how he’d let down on it.
“But that last 50m, he pinned his ears back and he just wanted to beat them.
“I love seeing an older horse like that, even if he only wins one race a year, he deserves it.”
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At Randwick, the Hall Mark Stakes provided Pride’s second feature trifecta in succession, emulating Chris Waller’s trio of Fireball over Campione D’Italia and Diameter in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.
Mazu now has 10 wins from 46 attempts, elevating his stake money to $10.8 million courtesy of owners Triple Crown Syndications via Chris Ward and Sam Manion.
Pride assessed the runs of each sprinter in turn, opening with Mazu. “Mazu’s grumpy, he’s not the kind of guy you want to hang out with on a long-term sort of basis,” Pride said.”It has to be all on his terms and we let him do that. He does everything as he wants, we don’t tell him what he has to do. He’s enjoying his racing and hopefully there’s another season or two left in him.
“We might give him a break. He doesn’t do much in Brisbane generally, but we’ll get him home and have a look at him.
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“King’s Secret was really good. I think, out of the race, he’s probably the real eye-catcher because he’s not ready for all this yet, but I thought it was terrific.
“Private Eye’s probably looking for that a little bit further. Maybe just being a bit older, being first up is not as big an advantage as it used to be, but I thought he was good to the line.
“Kerguelen was super, he was really good from the back – so I couldn’t be happier with how it has worked out for the stable.”
Fans can check racing betting markets for similar sprint showdowns via online bookmakers.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was left impressed after Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly produced a stunning batting display to power their side to a 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday. Arya, one of the country’s most talked about T20 batting talents alongside Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, smashed 93 off 37 balls, while Connolly, the highly rated Australian next-gen batter, struck 87 off 45 deliveries. Their 182-run partnership off just 80 balls laid the foundation for PBKS posting a massive 254 for 7. In reply, LSG could only manage 200 for 5 despite a fighting 43 from Rishabh Pant and 40 from Mitchell Marsh. Iyer was full of praise for the duo’s intent and mindset. He called the performance “exceptional” and said “some of the shots were jaw dropping”, highlighting the courage and composure shown at the crease. He also revealed a light-hearted challenge within the group, saying he had been “just talking to Cooper and Priyansh” about who would hit the most sixes this season, adding that both were “up for it”. The PBKS captain stressed the team environment gives young batters full freedom. “When you just let them be, go out and express themselves, they deliver,” he said, adding that he does not dictate how they should construct their innings as they follow their own routines and processes. Iyer also credited the support system around the team, mentioning Ricky Ponting’s involvement before games while he chips in with inputs. On the bowling group, he said PBKS have a largely international-quality attack and pointed to their execution levels as key to the win, while admitting the team takes “a lot of satisfaction” from reading and adapting to the wicket. The victory underlined PBKS’ growing confidence this season, built on aggressive intent and clarity in roles, as they continue to push towards a stronger campaign after finishing runners-up in 2025.
The New York Giants grabbed headlines on Saturday after trading away standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for a No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The trade now gives Giants two top 10 picks for Thursday’s draft. However, the Bengals trading away the No. 10 pick for Lawrence has surprised several NFL coaches, per Connor Hughes.
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The NFL analyst reported that the coaches are “stunned” with the Bengals giving away top 10 pick for a “very good player” who is not worth the No. 10 pick.
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“Talking to several coaches around the NFL right now … they are STUNNED the #Giants got what they did for Dexter Lawrence. All agree: Very good player, but not worth No. 10. Age, injury and concerns regarding his conditioning pointed out.
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“Also that you need to limit the number of snaps he plays to maximize his production; really just a one position player. Needless to say: Great return for #NYG.”
The Giants were expected to move on from Lawrence, who was reportedly disgruntled over failed contract negotiations. The Bengals signed him on a one-year, $28 million extension after his trade on Sunday.
Bengals reportedly offered the “most” for Dexter Lawrence
While the Bengals traded for the veteran Pro Bowler, no their team reportedly offered a higher price than Cinccinati for Dexter Lawrence, a Giants source told ESPN.
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“They offered the most,” the Giants source said. “Nobody was going to beat the 10th pick.”
The Giants were expected to fetch a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick for Lawrence, but the Bengals have raised a few eyebrows with their offer.
Bayern Munich secured yet another Bundesliga title after beating Stuttgart 4-2 at home on Sunday.
Top scorer Harry Kane scored his 32nd goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute as the Bavarians won their 35th German league trophy.
“To finish the league off in the way we have with the goals we scored… credit to the lads… we still have a lot to play for… but all the hard work, this makes it all worth it,” said Kane.
Bayern Munich cruise to title
The win moved the Bavarian giants an unassailable 15 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with four games to spare.
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Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, who won his 10th league title with Bayern, called the victory “very special.”
“The way we did it, we were very consistent…and we haven’t achieved that form so often. I hope 10 more titles come on top of this,” he said.
The “Meisterschale” (“champions’ shield” in English) trophy is expected to be handed out after Bayern’s final game of the season at home to Cologne on May 16.
Vincent Kompany (center) became Bayern Munich head coach after Thomas Tuchel’s exit in 2024Image: Martin Agüera/kolbert-press/picture alliance
Another dominant campaign
Bayern have only suffered one defeat in the league this season, at home to fellow Bavarians Augsburg in January, and a league-low of four ties so far.
They have also scored 109 goals so far this season — another record.
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Bayern already clinched the Super Cup in August, also against Stuttgart, and will take on Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
In Europe, Vincent Kompany’s team has reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they meet holders Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg on April 28.
“It is April 19 and we are in every competition. We have had lots of success with every player in the squad. We go to Leverkusen knowing anything can happen, but with real belief,” Kompany told DAZN.
Kompany, whose only previous job as head coach was at Premier League side Burnley, took over in 2024.
The Jets defense recorded only 26 sacks (31st) last year. The best way to improve your entire defense is to add defenders who can pressure QBs. Bailey was one of the best rushers in college football, a tone-setter who fits Aaron Glenn’s archetype and gives this defense the juice it desperately needs.
The NFC West is a QB gauntlet, with two Super Bowl-winning signal-callers (one MVP) and a third (Brock Purdy) who has already made a Super Bowl with a 67.3% career winning percentage. Defense is a must, and Reese is a violent, rangy defender.
Arguably the best player in the draft, Love can have a three-down impact on every offensive possession. If Tennessee wants to see growth from second-year QB Cam Ward, adding the best offensive weapon in the draft will help his development and give this offense an identity piece.
A young QB’s best friend is good protection. The Giants brought back Jermaine Eluemunor to protect the right side, but Mauigoa is too good to pass up here. If needed, he can become an All-Pro guard and turn what was once a weakness into a strength for the G-Men.
One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft with hot tape. Injuries and depth were issues for Cleveland last year on the O-line, and adding Fano helps erase those concerns. His versatility is the selling point.
Washington needs a WR2 with real upside, and Tate gives them a long-term answer while helping stabilize the uncertainty at the position outside of Terry McLaurin.
Cornerback is a huge need after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Delane is plug-and-play with inside-outside versatility and gives Kansas City immediate help.
When healthy, Jordyn Tyson could be considered the best WR in this draft, and it sounds like he’s healthy. Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely and Tyson — good luck slowing that trio down.
New Orleans trades back and still gets its guy. Bain is a Saints-type DL — violent, heavy-handed and a disruptive presence. The Big Easy won’t be easy for visiting QBs this year with his addition.
Baltimore loves unicorns, and Sadiq is a matchup nightmare who gives Lamar Jackson a new dimension. We’ve all seen the magic Jackson and Mark Andrews create, but Sadiq is a different magician. His tricks happen fast — 4.3 fast — and it’s hard to pass that up.
Ioane is the safest interior offensive lineman available. Last year, Tampa Bay’s running game was inconsistent, and Baker Mayfield took a beating at times. Ioane instantly improves both areas and gives the Bucs the O-line stability they need.
Minnesota needs a pass rush in a division full of high-end QBs, and Mesidor fits Brian Flores’ style. When you’re facing Jordan Love, Jared Goff and Caleb Williams, defensive pressure is a must.
Cooper is a football player who happens to play WR, a perfect fit for Sean McVay. He loves smart, tough, versatile receivers, so this is very on-brand.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes is the only correct answer. In 14 games, he was sacked 34 times, the second-most in his career, so keeping him upright is a must. Proctor has All-Pro traits.
Pittsburgh’s passing game lacked juice a year ago, and Concepcion brings a cooler full of it. He’s instant electricity with a four-down impact and gives the Steelers the explosive playmaker they need.
Interior pressure is the Chargers’ biggest defensive hole, especially in the AFC West. Woods is a high-upside swing, and his potential makes this a slam-dunk selection for L.A.
We saw last year how important the O-line is in Philly. Injuries and lack of depth derailed the entire offense. With Lane Johnson’s future uncertain after the 2026 season, this gives them a clear succession plan moving forward. Smart, boring, correct.
You never question linebackers from Georgia — they’re pro ready — and Buffalo needs a defensive leader. CJ Allen is smart and violent, which fits what Jim Leonard wants.
Houston stacking defensive talent is terrifying, and Banks is a luxury pick with massive upside. The rich get richer, and his potential in this defense won’t be fair for the AFC South.
Hood is one of the more patient CBs in this draft at the line of scrimmage and is very comfortable in press, reminding me of Jaylon Johnson. He fits the Cowboys’ new defensive identity and could be a Day 1 starter.
Miami’s secondary overhaul continues, and this revamped group could use the versatility Thieneman brings. The 4.35-second 40-yard dash he ran in Indy matches the speed you see on film.
Quarterback is a major need, and Simpson is the consensus No. 2 QB in this draft, so Arizona couldn’t afford to wait and risk missing on him. Simpson at 31 feels like the most realistic outcome for the Cardinals.
This is a Seahawks defender through and through: bendy and violent with a non-stop motor. Thomas is relentless and physical, and it won’t take long for him to fit in.
Erling Haaland and Gabriel endured a war on Sunday as Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 to take control of the Premier League title race
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland said he would never feign injury to get another player sent off after a controversial incident involving Arsenal centre-back Gabriel. With the Blues leading 2-1 thanks to Haaland’s second half strike, tempers flared when Haaland pushed the defender after a free kick was awarded in his favour.
The two players then squared up to each other with Gabriel appearing to be the aggressor as he moved his head towards Haaland. Instead of going to ground, the City man continued to face off with the Arsenal defender before both sets of players piled in to separate them.
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When asked about the incident at full time, Haaland told Sky Sports: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”
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Once the incident had settled, both Haaland and Gabriel were booked. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said on commentary the defender was ‘very, very lucky’ not to be sent off and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville was equally confused by the decision.
Post-match, he told Sky Sports: “If Gabriel had scored later on or had some impact on the game, Pep Guardiola would’ve been fuming. It’s accepted in football you can put your head against each other, but once you push it forward, it’s usually a red. I was happy he didn’t send him off. I got sent off for it against Steve McManaman, I leant my head forward.”
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Former City and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira added: “I really enjoyed that battle [between Haaland and Gabriel]. In the last couple of years those two players have been really hard for each other, but the referee managed it really well.
They were competitive, they were difficult, but these are the kind of games we want to see, that we enjoy watching. I don’t think Gabriel deserved a red card.”
On the game itself, Haaland concluded by paying tribute to Bernardo Silva who was awarded Man of the Match. “I told him, when he headed [a late cross beating Viktor Gyokeres to the ball] out: ‘You were like f****** [Fabio] Cannavaro today,” he said.
“Today, Bernie, I’m not going to make it emotional, you were amazing today as well. Every game is a final. On Wednesday we have a new final. When we have stopped speaking here, it’s about recovering for the Burnley game. Because the Burnley game just as important as this game. We need to stay focus, stay humble.”
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in his first playoff game since rupturing his right Achilles tendon last season, and the Boston Celtics rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup on Sunday.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Neemias Queta added 13 for the second-seeded Celtics.
Tatum scored 21 points in the first half, playing in just his 17th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon.
Boston never trailed, building a 35-point lead as coach Joe Mazzulla gave minutes to 12 players. The Celtics connected on 16 3-pointers.
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Game 2 is Tuesday night in Boston.
Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and eight assists for the 76ers, who played without Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP continues to recover following an appendectomy on April 9. It’s unclear when he will be able to return.
Paul George scored 17 points and V.J. Edgecombe added 13. Philadelphia was 4 of 23 from three-point range.
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was caught voicing his frustration in a hot mic moment before being ejected for arguing a check swing call during Saturday’s loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
The incident went down in the seventh inning after first base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt ruled that Reds star Elly De La Cruz didn’t swing, resulting in a ball on the pitch with the Twins leading, 4-2.
Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton walks to the dugout during the first inning of the Boston Red Sox game in Minneapolis on April 13, 2026.(Abbie Parr/AP)
“No swing?” could be heard shouted from the dugout, although it wasn’t immediately clear who shouted it. De La Cruz hit an RBI single on the next pitch, and Rece Hinds scored to narrow the Twins’ lead.
Shelton’s displeasure could be heard from the dugout, and just a few moments later, home plate umpire Nic Lentz ejected him.
The broadcast picked up Lentz telling Shelton, “I wasn’t going to hear it anymore.”
Shelton charged at him, denying the accusation and repeatedly shouting, “I’m not even f—ing talking to you,” and, “I didn’t say anything to you.”
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Manager Derek Shelton of the Minnesota Twins argues with home plate umpire Nic Lentz at Target Field in Minneapolis on April 18, 2026.(David Berding/Getty Images)
After the game, Shelton said the comment that got him tossed was made when his head was down.
“I had my head down when I made the comment I made,” he said, via The Minnesota Star Tribune. “He evidently thought I was making the comment at him, but I had my head down and I was not looking at any umpire after I made it.
“You guys can make the determination on the check swing what you think, but when I made the comment I made, I had my head down. I’ve been ejected a lot of times. In that one, I was not directing anything at anything except frustration down at our bench.”
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Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton argues with umpire Laz Diaz over a pitch challenge during the Orioles game, March 29, 2026, in Baltimore.(Gail Burton/AP)
This was the second time Shelton was ejected this season. Last month, he became the first manager to be ejected over the new Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system during a loss to Baltimore.
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